March 6, 2017

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” At Smile More Kidz, we believe that preventive dental care for you and your little ones is the cornerstone of healthy and happy smiles. Our four friendly dentists want to make sure that along with your family’s regular dental appointments, you’re properly taking care of you and your children’s teeth and gums. Yes, you may have a consistent dental routine, but are you all getting the most out of it? Your dentist in Tappan is here to review the best brushing and flossing tips to benefit the most from your daily dental habits.

1. Floss thoroughly.

Flossing is usually seen as a chore because it takes the time to get in between each and every tooth. Nevertheless, flossing is a very important part of preventive dental care! Be sure to floss between every tooth, even in hard to reach places to avoid gum disease in the future. If you have a hard time, there are many tools that can make flossing easier and more enjoyable. Consider adding Y-shaped disposable flossers, water picks, or threaders to your repertoire of cleaning tools. Extra Tip: floss before you brush to loosen plaque and food stuck between your teeth.

2. Get the right toothbrush.

It makes sense why you would think that you need a stiffer toothbrush for a better cleaning experience, but that’s simply not true. Not every toothbrush cleans your teeth effectively. You should opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. These toothbrushes are more flexible to reach into hard-to-reach crevices while still being gentle on your gums. Brushing should be like a gentle massage for your gums, not abrasive scrubbing. And your gums should never bleed during brushing. If you or your family’s gums are bleeding even a little, contact our Smile More Kidz dental office so we can check their mouth for dental problems.

3. Use the correct techniques.

You need to make sure you’re taking the appropriate amount of time to truly brush your teeth effectively. Two minutes is the recommended time you should be brushing your teeth. This gives you enough time to brush all areas of your mouth at a 45-degree angle above, along, and below the gum line. You should also be brushing above, behind, and on top of each tooth as well as your tongue to remove bacteria. Stagnant plaque and bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath.

4. Find the right toothpaste for you.

Did you know there are different kinds of toothpaste on the market for different oral health issues? There’s whitening toothpaste, hypersensitivity toothpaste, and even herbal toothpaste for people who are more sensitive to chemicals found in regular kinds of toothpaste. There’s even special kiddy toothpaste that makes it safe to swallow for children who are too young to know the difference. It can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. During your dental appointment with either of our four friendly doctors, your dentist can point you in the right direction. We will recommend the best ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste for you and your family members.

If you’ve started already instilling great oral hygiene habits in your children, we applaud you! You’re taking the best step towards healthy, long-lasting teeth for your little ones. We can help you keep your children’s teeth bright and shining with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings as well. Schedule an apointment today and we can help you maintain your family’s strong teeth and gums.